As you are reading The New York Times on a daily basis, please pay close attention to bylines (the names at the top of the story that indicate who wrote the piece) and the issue or beat she or he covers. Please decide on one news, feature or sports writer (not an opinion columnist or any kind) who writes regularly whom you can follow the rest of the semester.

Prior to class on Monday, Feb. 4, please write a short blog post here that explains who you picked and why (200 words or less). Include a few biographical details about the reporter and a link to one or two recent stories. In the subject line of the post (we will review how to post to WordPress) type your Last Name and then the full name of the reporter.

The goal of this semester long assignment is for you to get familiar with the writing and reporting style of top professional who is covering an issue that interests you deeply. It’s ok if some of you select the same reporter. As you are reading his or her stories, pay close attention to their leads, how they support their leads, the depth of reporting and number of sources, their nut grafs and where they are placed, how they used quotes, how they end their stories.

In essence, this reporter should become a kind of mentor from afar this semester.